Executive directors lead organizations that function in large part by raising money to operate. The organization will likely need to conduct multiple fundraising campaigns. Depending on the organization’s staff, the executive director may even have to play a hands-on role in doing the day-to-day fundraising work. This will require that the candidate demonstrate that they know how to play this role. What to look for in an answer:

• Proven experience leading capital campaigns
• Skills in managing relationships with major donors
• Vision to set and carry out ambitious goals

An executive director will need to be responsible for the overall budgetary situation of the organization. Budgeting is a critical function because the organization can fail if it goes over budget and draws down all of its financial reserves. This question should probe the candidate’s knowledge the budgeting process and the setting of financial priorities in the organization. You should get a sense of what is important to them. What to look for in an answer:

• Specific knowledge of all aspects of budgeting
• Experience with software and budgeting programs
• The ability to articulate financial priorities

More than anything, an executive director is a visionary within the organization that sets the overall tone and strategic goals that are to be followed. You want to make sure that the executive director has a vision. This plan does not have to necessarily be transformative, but they should at least have an idea where they want to take the organization and be able to articulate it at the interview. What to look for in an answer:

• Record of conceiving and implementing goals
• Leadership experience setting the tone for organization
• Communication skills to explain their vision

An organization needs to have a “deep bench.” Employees may join the organization without a great deal of experience, and they will have to be trained to fill their roles as well as to grow. You will want to see recognition from the candidate that they know that the organization’s success depends on the growth of employees and what they plan to do to help encourage that outcome. What to look for in an answer:

• Experience supervising and training employees
• Philosophies on how to help teach less knowledgeable personnel
• Desire to instruct and mentor

One of the most important things that an organization can have is its public image. The executive director will be responsible for deciding upon the right image and instituting the steps to bring it about. You want to make sure that the candidate has worked in public relations previously in order to portray the organization in the proper light. Describing the image will also help demonstrate their understanding of the organization. What to look for in an answer:

• Demonstrated experience representing an organization in public
• Public relations skills, especially with the media
• Understanding of the organizational image

Look for these attributes of a successful answer:

• Accountability and work ethic
• Problem-solving
• Planning for the future